Question: English & Literature

A tragic hero is someone that fits very specific criteria. First, they have to be of noble birth. Then, they must make a series of decisions that ultimately lead to their demise. In this very strict sense, Medea does not fit the mold. Certainly she has been wronged and has been forced to live a lifestyle that has denied her many basic human rights (as was true for most women back then). However, the true tragic hero (though he is depicted as quite the swine) is Jason. He was of noble birth, and his choices left him bereft of everything. And, just like Oedipus, he comes to an awful realization when it is long past the time when he could do anything about the turn of events.